Recently, New Hampshire took host to the first-in-the-nation primary for President. While the Granite State only awards 25 of the 3900+ available delegates that are up for grabs, it has proven (in this cycle at least) to be a very important moment that we will probably look back on come convention time. New Hampshire and its aftermath have had many interesting stories to tell (not only about where the candidates stand in the race, but also the direction it is heading). Here’s a recap of all the things you may have missed:
The Drop Outs
First, we must note the drop outs that came just after the results started pouring. The Democratic field has gone from 11 to 8 overnight, due to the suspension of campaigns by Entrepreneur Andrew Yang, Former Governor Deval Patrick, and Senator Michael Bennett. While these campaigns showed valiant effort in order to win the votes of Democrats across the nation, this was the appropriate move for all three of them.
Patrick and Bennett had slim to no chance of winning the nomination, but many had high hopes for Andrew Yang, as he built an internet army of supporters unlike any other. He brought fresh new ideas that people on the left and right respected, and leaves the field without a viable candidate of color for the first time this cycle. The party that has preached diversity and inclusion has pushed away all of its well respected candidates of color and this may not go well for them in November.
Biden, Warren Disappoint
For the second contest in a row, both Senator Warren and former Vice President Biden under-performed, far below not just their polling numbers, but their general expectations for people of their stature.
For Warren, her disappointing results came after months of controversy surrounding her campaign. From her now viral interaction with a father about student loan debt, to her public confrontation with Bernie Sanders, it seems like many things aren’t going Warren’s way.
For the former Vice President, who many, if not all of Americans, considered to be the front runner, a 4th and 5th place finish respectively are not characteristics of a political veteran, and have been major cause for concern for Biden’s camp. According to the Biden campaign, they are employing the “Clinton Strategy,” citing then Governor Bill Clinton about having not won any of the first five major primaries and caucuses in the nation. While this may be a questionable strategy, it’s also important to note that Clinton came in second in New Hampshire in 1992 and placed lower than 3rd only twice after. Both Warren and Biden are going to need to pick up the pace quickly before Super Tuesday, or their hopes of becoming President will be over.
Klob-mentum
Amy Klobuchar has had the best week of her campaign to date. From her debate performance where she called out Democratic Socialism within the Democratic field, to a $2 million fundraising haul post debate, to her surprise third place finish in New Hampshire, all of the right things are happening for the Minnesota Senator.
Amy hasn’t had the biggest spot light during this race, failing to crack double digits in polling so far this cycle. However, she has been the one candidate to consistently not only tout their record in public office, but to also call out many of the things that keep voters from all sides of the political spectrum from voting Democrat: Government control of healthcare, housing, and college. Her message is spreading through grassroots efforts, but it also has made airwaves on social media and on major news networks. Democrats are waking up to the fact that socialism is not the way the party or our country should go, and it shows in the results of the New Hampshire primary. With Biden and Warren on the cusp of dropping out of this contest due to poor performances, Amy may be Bernie’s worst nightmare in this primary race.
Pete takes 2nd, Bernie wins NH, but also loses
Pete for the second contest in a row has had a very strong showing. What was once Bernie country in 2016, Pete managed to get just under 25% of the vote in New Hampshire and tied the Vermont Senator for national delegates won from the state. Senator Sanders, who won New Hampshire with 60% of the vote, came out as the winner of the New Hampshire primary with just 4,000 more votes then second place Mayor Pete.
While being declared the winner of the primary, I believe the Bernie campaign should be disappointed by this showing. The numbers are telling, and what the numbers say is that 76,000 people who voted for Bernie Sanders in 2016 voted for another candidate in this Tuesday’s primary. This is very alarming, as the second and third place winners who received a combined 130,000+ votes, are considered moderates within the Democratic Party.
While many are alarmed that a Democratic Socialist may be the next Democratic nominee, it is important to look to the numbers and see that the Democratic Party is actually very divided on who they want to be their nominee. They may be slowly waking up to the dangers of socialism. If the rest of this primary season goes like New Hampshire did, we’re probably on our way to a contested convention, where Bernie most certainly would lose to a more centrist candidate.
Jose Rodriguez
Jose Rodriguez, who also goes by “Francisco,” is a senior at John Jay College of Criminal Justice double majoring in Political Science and Economics. He has previously served as President of his College Republican chapter, along with being a staff member on a gubernatorial race in New York.
The views expressed in this article are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Lone Conservative staff.
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